From the time of their first settlements, the ancient Israelites worshiped the goddess Asherah (Judges 2:13; 10:6).
Biblical texts state Asherah worship was widespread through the time of Samuel
(1 Samuel 7:3-4; 12:10)
and was royally sanctioned by King Solomon (1 Kings 11:5; 2 Kings 23:13).
After the Philistines killed Israel’s first King, Saul, his armor was placed in the Beth Shean temple of Asherah (1 Samuel 31:10).